Page 21 of Haunting the Hunter
I found him when the Covenant sent me on one of my first missions. Jack was just a kid, but he had smuggled over a million dollars out of one of the Covenant’s offshore accounts. I was ordered to execute him but instead, I decided to cut him a deal—one he was happy to take. He works for me, and I give him security, a safe place,and a purpose. He has a fetish for pulling things apart to see how they work—from security systems to people’s minds. Over the years we have become close.
The plan was always to get me and Calli out of there so we could have a life. But when I found out about the Covenant’s plans, it didn’t take me and Jack long to organize a hasty escape. Those two became fast friends, and after all this time I know I can trust he will do everything to keep her safe.
I sigh audibly.
“Listen. I need to thank you, Jack.” I grit my teeth. “If I didn’t have you, a lot of what I do wouldn’t be possible, and no matter what, I know she won’t be alone.”
He turns, a smile playing on his lips.
“Hey, man, you and Calli are the closest thing I have to family. I was off the deep end when you found me. You gave me a chance to prove myself, and I don’t intend on squandering that. We’re a team, a fucked-up trio going up against the man.” He grins. “I live for this shit.”
“I’m just worried about Calli. Maybe they fucked her up too much.”
“Naw, she’s more resilient than you think. We all got our own shit going on. We may not get her, but we are still here for her.” He turns back to his screens. “Stop overthinking. You’re doing everything you can. She may not like it now, but one day she will thank you for it.”
I pause at his words. He’s right. One day she will get to settle down, get married, have kids. She will get to live the life she deserves, and it will be on her terms. That’s what has kept me going—I just don’t want to focus so much on the future I picture for her that I neglect her now. That’s why this is a good idea. Let her have a little leash, have normal experiences with normal-ass people. That’s what I want for her.
I’ll deal with the cesspool that lingers over us. I don’t care what I have to do, or what it does to me, if it keeps her hands clean. That’swhy I never wanted her involved in the first place. But she isn’t a kid anymore…
I can’t just distract her from the reality of this. I can’t shelter her from everything, no matter how much I want to.
She will keep asking questions, and keep digging for answers.
All that matters is that she is safe right now.
I grab the door handle and look over at Jack.
“I’m gonna go take a shower and finish getting ready. Leave everything on your desk and I’ll grab it in the morning.”
“No problem.”
Maybe I should be less concerned about micromanaging her and more concerned about whatever the fuck is going on with me. As much as I want to deny it, these dreams—thisfeeling—is really starting to fuck with me. They feel too good, too real. I keep finding that I don’t want to leave the dreams…
I make my way to the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind me. I turn the water on and strip my clothes off, throwing them into a heap on the floor.
I shake my head, attempting to push the thought from my mind.
It’s. Not. Fucking. Real.
I step into the shower, hoping the heat of the water will burn the thought from my mind. But it’s not enough.
I canfeelyou watching me.
You’re always here, in the back of my mind.
The steam curls around my body like fingers. I try to hone in on the water hitting the tile, my head bowed, palms planted on the slick wall in front of me. But I become too aware of my body, focusing too hard on my chest rising with each inhale, trembling with restraint I don’t understand.
Or maybe I do.
I grit my teeth and my eyes fall shut. The image ofyouforms instantly. Never your face—but your presence.
I drag my hand slowly across my abdomen, feeling the way my stomach flexes under my own touch. I wrap my hand around my cock, the pressure deliberate.
I stroke myself slowly. My thumb circling over the head, smearing the precum down my length until my grip slides. I brace against the wall, my head falling forward as I imagine it’syoutouching me. I imagine your mouth tracing along my jaw. Down my neck. Over my chest.
“Yes, just like that,” I grunt.
I squeeze tighter, my pace quickening, the wet rhythmic sound filling the space. Your presence circles me as I bite back a moan, my imagination turning the water into your hands, dragging down my back.
